Two new 100 Clubs are being launched at this year’s Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon to allow people to use the event to improve their health and wellbeing.
The clubs will be in the main race which takes place on Sunday 5 October, and for the first time will be launched in the Junior event which kicks off the weekend on Saturday 4 October.
The Oysho Cardiff Half Marathon has become one of the most exciting road races in Europe and is Wales’s largest mass participation and multi-charity fundraising event.
It plays a part in improving the health and wellbeing of the nation and inspires so many people to get involved in running. Completing the iconic road race is on the bucket list of many would-be runners in the UK, but some have to overcome more barriers than others to make it to the start line.
Each year event organisers Run 4 Wales (R4W) looks to help break down these barriers by donating 100 free places in the race – and this year it will be looking to recruit a female focused group.
It will also be looking to recruit a team of children for its first ever 100 Club Junior to take on the family fun run the day before. The event is part of R4W Next Gen, a reimagined series of family events that aim to inspire a future generation of healthy, active adults.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “It’s been 10 years since we launched our first ever 100 Club in the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2015. This was inspired by the ‘Alfie’s Angels’ BBC Wales TV programme, which followed groups of women training for the race.
“Research shows that time constraints, motherhood, pace pressures and safety are all barriers women face when it comes to running, which is why we’re once again looking to shine a spotlight on this group and work with them to get to the start line.
“We also know that many children and young people face barriers into sport and we want to help combat this, helping them to build their self-esteem and realise their capabilities.
“Running is a low-cost, fun and social way to improve your fitness. You don’t need any specialist equipment and the physical and mental health benefits can be extremely empowering. Mass participation events provide a goal, target or inspiration to push yourself further, and have the power to bring people of all ages, abilities and background together.
“We’re very much looking forward to recruiting both teams of runners and working with them over the coming months.”
R4W will be engaging with groups, individuals, schools and community organisations to recruit for both of this year’s 100 Club as well as asking people to nominate themselves or others, in a bid to help them overcome these obstacles to ensure they make it to race day and reap the benefits that running brings. In the adult club they will be looking for runners who are new to the distance or returning after a substantial break.
Those recruited to join the 100 Club must be at least 17 years of age on the day of the event and be able to participate in the race on Sunday 5 October 2025. Those recruited to join the 100 Club Junior must be aged between 5-11. (Under 8s need to be accompanied by an adult) and be able to participate in the race on Saturday 4 October 2025.
